Frustrations Persist at Monaco Grand Prix Amid FIA Regulation Changes
The implementation of mandated pit stops fails to enhance competitiveness in a traditionally processional race.
The Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2025, experienced a familiar sequence of events, as expected changes introduced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to enliven the race did not yield the anticipated excitement.
Traditionally known for its lack of overtaking opportunities, this year’s event saw the grid at the start closely resembling the finishing order, barring any major mechanical failures, unpredictable weather, or driver errors.
The FIA mandated two pit stops for all competitors, aimed at refreshing the race dynamics.
However, the strategy was met with criticism from teams and drivers, with some utilizing the slow-driving tactic to deliberately hinder their opponents.
Esteban Ocon of Haas remarked post-race that, "I could have brought a pillow and had a coffee in the car.
It was just as difficult to stay concentrated while driving so slowly.
I don’t like it; this is not how we want to race." Alexander Albon echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the disheartening nature of the race, calling it "a really horrible race" in remarks to Eurosport.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged the FIA’s efforts to shake up the event but expressed doubts about pursuing similar methods in the future, suggesting that alternatives must be sought to enhance the interest around the Monaco race.
Looking ahead, the need for changes to improve overtaking possibilities in Monaco is pressing.
The current Formula 1 cars, spanning the 2022-2025 models, have a width of approximately two meters, making overtaking exceedingly rare in the narrow and winding streets of the principality.
Proposals for improving the situation include reducing the size of the vehicles or modifying the circuit layout to facilitate overtaking, although options are limited due to the compact nature of the roads.
The upcoming regulations set to be implemented from 2026 will address several specifications for the Formula 1 cars, reducing maximum wheelbase from 3.60 meters to 3.40 meters and decreasing minimum weight from 798 kg to 768 kg.
Additionally, tire dimensions will be adjusted to narrow by 25 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear.
Most notably, vehicle width will be cut down to 1.90 meters from the current two meters, although still wider than the 1.80 meters seen during the 2000-2014 period.
With these regulatory changes on the horizon, there remains skepticism about whether the modifications will succeed in revitalizing the spectacle at the Monaco Grand Prix, as many industry participants express hopes for a more engaging performance next year.
Traditionally known for its lack of overtaking opportunities, this year’s event saw the grid at the start closely resembling the finishing order, barring any major mechanical failures, unpredictable weather, or driver errors.
The FIA mandated two pit stops for all competitors, aimed at refreshing the race dynamics.
However, the strategy was met with criticism from teams and drivers, with some utilizing the slow-driving tactic to deliberately hinder their opponents.
Esteban Ocon of Haas remarked post-race that, "I could have brought a pillow and had a coffee in the car.
It was just as difficult to stay concentrated while driving so slowly.
I don’t like it; this is not how we want to race." Alexander Albon echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the disheartening nature of the race, calling it "a really horrible race" in remarks to Eurosport.
Ferrari team principal Frédéric Vasseur acknowledged the FIA’s efforts to shake up the event but expressed doubts about pursuing similar methods in the future, suggesting that alternatives must be sought to enhance the interest around the Monaco race.
Looking ahead, the need for changes to improve overtaking possibilities in Monaco is pressing.
The current Formula 1 cars, spanning the 2022-2025 models, have a width of approximately two meters, making overtaking exceedingly rare in the narrow and winding streets of the principality.
Proposals for improving the situation include reducing the size of the vehicles or modifying the circuit layout to facilitate overtaking, although options are limited due to the compact nature of the roads.
The upcoming regulations set to be implemented from 2026 will address several specifications for the Formula 1 cars, reducing maximum wheelbase from 3.60 meters to 3.40 meters and decreasing minimum weight from 798 kg to 768 kg.
Additionally, tire dimensions will be adjusted to narrow by 25 mm at the front and 30 mm at the rear.
Most notably, vehicle width will be cut down to 1.90 meters from the current two meters, although still wider than the 1.80 meters seen during the 2000-2014 period.
With these regulatory changes on the horizon, there remains skepticism about whether the modifications will succeed in revitalizing the spectacle at the Monaco Grand Prix, as many industry participants express hopes for a more engaging performance next year.